Alabama, Florida and Georgia have declared states of emergency in all or parts of the states.

A destructive and life-threatening storm surge event will occur along portions of the Florida Panhandle, Big Bend, and Nature Coast on Wednesday and Wed night. The worst storm surge is expected to be between Mexico Beach and Keaton Beach where 9-13' of inundation is possible. pic.twitter.com/Koao5p4GIk

Governor Scott called for coastal residents to evacuate, saying: “It could be the difference between life and death.”

Alabama is under a state-wide state of emergency ahead of the hurricane, along with 92 counties in southern Georgia and 35 counties in Florida.

Forecasters say some regions of the US may see 12in (30cm) of rain, and storm surges of up to 12ft (3.6m).

“Strengthening is expected overnight and on Wednesday, and Michael is forecast to be near category four strength when it makes landfall in the Florida Panhandle or the Florida Big Bend area,” the NHC said in its latest bulletin.

“Weakening is expected after landfall as Michael moves across the south-eastern United States,” it added.

The Florida governor called Michael “a monstrous storm” and urged residents to listen to officials.

I understand that evacuations are inconvenient, but this storm will bring torrential rain and heavy wind, along with dangerous storm surge throughout the panhandle. If you have been told to leave, you need to go. It could be the difference between life & death.